It promises to be one of the musical highlights of the year in Llanelli.
Cor Baroc Llanelli will be joined by Cor Meibion Llanelli for a ‘Classic Choral’ concert at Tabernacle Chapel on Saturday (October 9).
And the marvellous mix provided by the two choirs gets some added zest with the addition of four young soloists to the concert platform.
The evening promises to be a tribute to the long heritage of choral singing associated with Tabernacle Chapel (Capel Tabernacl) in Llanelli.
“Followers of musical history will appreciate the major role that Capel Tabernacl has played in Llanelli,” said Eifion Thomas, who is musical director of both Cor Baroc and Cor Meibion.
“During the 1940s and ’50s, a host of famous singers graced the concert stage in the chapel when taking part in the annual oratorio.
“Names such as Kathleen Ferrier, Joan Hammond, Walter Widdop, Walter Glynn, David Franklyn, David Lloyd, John Cameron and a very young Joan Sutherland appeared on the concert programmes during those halcyon years.
“Times have changed, but choirs and audiences remain.
“So we thought, why not combine two of Llanelli's famous choirs in an effort to revive the tradition of classical choral music in the town?
“The programme chosen is, hopefully, not high-brow, but is varied to accommodate differing tastes. There are items which will be instantly recognisable and grand choruses, such as the ones by Verdi, which will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”
Mr Thomas added: “Four young singers appear as soloists and we hope that they (like the others who have appeared at Capel Tabernacl) will, in turn, develop into famous singers.
“A hugely enjoyable evening is in store and I would encourage Llanelli music lovers to buy their tickets early.”
The concert, which starts at 7pm, will feature works by Beethoven, Mascagni, Gounod, Donizetti and Verdi.
Soloists will include Adele O’Neill (soprano), Sarah Pottinger (mezzo-soprano), Richard Allen (tenor) and Trystan Lewis (bass). The organist will be Allan Fewster.
Both choirs will be under the baton of Eifion Thomas.
The concert will also feature the Glamorgan Chamber Orchestra (leader Mansel Hughes).
The programme includes –
Requiem in C by Charles Gounod; Wie Selig Sind Die Toten by Felix Mendelssohn; Una Voce Poco Fa by Rossini; the Chorus of Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s Nabucco; the Intermezzo from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana; Donizetti’s Mary Stuart’s Prayer; the Prisoners’ Chorus from Beethoven’s Fidelio; and a selection from Verdi’s I Lombardi.
For more about the concert, please visit the Cor Meibion Llanelli website –
Tickets are £8 and available from 770751 and 756438.
